This is not a "brag" but I want to pass this on to the pickers in the group. Short history first.
I played for many years and own a Framus 12-string that I purchased in England back in the early '70s. Back in the late '80s, my hands were damaged by reactions to cutting oils. The only real long term damage was that it changed the skin on my hands and fingers and made it very difficult to play the wide neck on that 12-string. It has set in its case, pretty much unused since 1990. Thought I'd never play much again.
At the end of March, we took our usual week's trip down to the Texas Hill Country (Kerrville). Camped with friends and had a great time. While we were there, we drove over to Fredericksburg for a bit of shopping and lunch at the brewery. As alway, I stopped at the music shop just to see what was new. As long as your an adult and reasonably careful, they let you try the instruments as much as you want. Have gotten into some small 'jam' sessions there a time or two. This time I was the only one in the shop. Saw something completely new to me. A guitar made of graphite composite!!! They had a number of different types, all acoustic with some having amp pick-ups already installed. Just for grins, I picked up a 3/4 sized, 6-string and started picking on it. Couldn't believe how well it fit my hands. Seemed like it was made for me. At least to me, I sounded better playing this thing then any guitar I had ever touched and the sound was superb! Played for about 20-30 minutes and figured it was just me thinking that I sounded pretty good. As said above, I haven't hardly touched my 12-string since I injured the skin on my fingers back in the late '80s. My hand just won't wrap around the wide neck on that thing any more and I just can't seem to play it worth a hoot (not that I was ever that good, any way).
After about 1/2 an hour, I went on my way to find DW. We continued through town and on our way back to the truck we passed the music shop. I told her I had something to show her and even though I'm sure she didn't want to, she followed me in. I really just wanted another chance to pick on that guitar and had no real intentions of buying anything (that 3/4, 6-string listed for $1200:eek:!!! No way to justify that:laugh:!). I picked that guitar up and started to play. Believe it or not, even DW thought I sounded great!!! Long story short, she convinced me that I should buy that guitar and after some negotiations, we took it home. Ended up paying way less then the list price and that included the case for it. It still seemed expensive but looking at what these things cost and the rise in all prices, I,m happy with the price I paid.
The guitar is made by an outfit in Louisiana named Composite Acoustics (CA). The model name is "Cargo". It comes with a lifetime warranty against any defects, including neck warping. Believe it or not, there is NO steel in the neck. Doesn't need it. Body and neck are a one piece construction. The nut and bridge are separate pieces but it is hard to tell if the fingerboard is separate or part of the original construction. The company that makes it states that though it is not recommended, the guitar can be used as 'an instrument, a boat oar or a weapon as the need arises'. It is great to have a guitar that I can really play again and one that is so tough, I won't be worried about taking it places. Have really enjoyed it over the last month and have been picking it almost dailey since I got it. Finger tips have gotten tough again and I'm remembering all the old songs I used to play. Even better, I'm using the inter-net to find a lot of words and music for songs I never knew how to play before.
Below is a link to CA's site and the model I got. I,m pleased with mine and thought I'd share the info here for those who pick. It is great to have a guitar that I can play again and also able to take camping without having to worry about it.
CA Guitars Cargo Series
Happy Camping!
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Turn Key, DW and Pepsi & Cherry, The Camping Boston Terriers
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